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1. What is needed to get a library card?

Please bring in a photo ID and proof of current address.

• Something with your picture on it, e.g., driver’s license, passport, government ID
• Something with your local address on it, e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, piece of mail, rental agreement

Library Card application (PDF)

2. What if I live outside the city limits?

Non-residents pay a small fee to checkout materials. You may have an Anacortes postal address but if your property is physically located in the unincorporated areas outside Anacortes City limits, by definition you are a non-resident. Fees are as follows:

• 3-month family card privilege $25
• 6-month family card privilege $50
• 12-month family card privilege $100

The fee equals $8.33 per month, or just 28 cents a day. It gives you access to over 100,000 items. What a bargain! You can use the Library's electronic databases, download audio books and eBooks, and access online magazine resources. Children can participate in our Summer Reading Program. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

3. What if I own city property or own a business?

For property and business owners, library cards are issued without cost. Individuals must:

• Show evidence of paying property tax to the City of Anacortes
• Hold an Annual Business License from the City of Anacortes

Please be aware that these cards are for the actual property or business owner only, and do not include employees of an Anacortes business. These cards are renewed annually with proof of property tax or business license. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

4. How do I get a reciprocal card for other Skagit County libraries?

Anacortes city residents with library cards can apply for reciprocal library cards at Burlington Public Library, La Conner Regional Library, Mount Vernon City Library, Sedro-Woolley Public Library, and Upper Skagit Library District. First, present your card at the Anacortes Public Library to get a sticker that shows your account is in good standing. Then take your card to a reciprocal library and apply for a library card. Please call the reciprocal library for application requirements.

Burlington Public Library

820 E Washington Avenue 

Phone: 360-755-0760

Burlington Public Library website

La Conner Regional Library

614 Morris Street 

Phone: 360-466-3352 

La Conner Regional Library website

Mount Vernon City Library

315 Snoqualmie Street 

Phone: 360-336-6209

Mount Vernon City Library Website

Sedro-Woolley Public Library

802 Ball Avenue 

Phone: 360-855-1166

Sedro-Woolley Public Library website

Central Skagit Library District

100 W State Street Suit C 

Sedro Woolley, WA 98284 

Phone: 360-755-3985

Central Skagit Library District website

Upper Skagit Library District

45770 B Main Street 

Phone: 360-853-7939 

Upper Skagit Library District website

5. What are Student Cards?

Anacortes School district students qualify for a special student library card. Read more about Student Cards (PDF)

6. What if I lose my card?

Replacement cards cost $1. Please let us know as soon as you realize your card is missing; we'll make sure no one else can use your card to check materials out. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

7. How long can items be checked out?

Loan periods vary, depending on the item. DVDs and videos checkout for 7 days; books, magazines, CDs cassettes, CDs, CD-ROMs, and all other materials checkout for 28 days. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

8. What happens if I have an overdue item?

Our Library does not charge daily overdue fines. As a courtesy, we send out an email or postcard reminder when materials are 2 weeks overdue. Returning items promptly saves billing costs and maintains funding and availability of materials for all Library patrons to enjoy. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

9. Can I renew my items?

Items may be renewed twice, as long as another patron is not waiting. You may renew at the Library, by phone, or by accessing your account online at the Library website. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

10. Where do I return my checked out items?

Book drops are located behind the Library on 9th Street, and also inside the building. The drops are designed for Media (DVDs, CDs), Children's, and Adult items. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

11. What happens if I damage an item?

On return, all items are carefully checked and cleaned or re-packaged as necessary before reshelving. Items with minor damage are repaired as needed, with the damage noted. Patrons returning materials with damage requiring replacement covers or containers are charged $5 processing fee per item. Patrons returning items damaged beyond repair are charged full replacement cost. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

12. Can I place a hold on an item?

Patrons can place a hold on an item that is currently checked out. This can be done through our online catalog, by phone, or at the Library. Because holds cannot be placed on items that are currently available at the Library, please call the Library and ask a staff member to pull the item and place the hold for you. Available holds are held for 3 days, with consideration given for holidays. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

13. What does Privilege Expired mean?

Library patron status is renewed annually, and the library requires proof of residence if you reside within city limits. If you reside outside of city limits, but have a card because you pay property tax in the city, or have a business license in the city of Anacortes, these cards are also renewed annually with current proof of property tax or business license. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.

14. What does Delinquent Account mean?

The Anacortes Public Library does not currently charge fines for overdue materials. As such, when materials are overdue and not renewed or returned, your status becomes delinquent, and you will be unable to check out items both digitally and at the library until the items are returned. For more information, please call the Library at 360-293-1910.